5X 8495 
.W33 t5 

Copy ^ 



LTirjTJinjTJTJTJiJTJTjanjirLAnxij^^ 



m 
m 



9 



^^^^ 



THE EXPERIENGE 



or A 



Converted Gathoug, 



BV 



W. A. YINOIvING, 

Of the Central Ohio Conference. 



^^1 



CIXCIIIHATI : 
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY WALDEN &, STOWE. 

1883. 



m 



m 



m 



THE EXPERIENCE 



OF A 



CONVERTED CATHOLIC 



BEING A BRIEF SKETCH OF 



THE LIFE OF 



Rev. Joseph Hulse Weber, Evangelist. 



BY 

OF THE CENTRAL OHIO CONFERENCE. 



of C03/ 

^ JUN 25 1^ 




CINCINNATI: 
WALDEN AND STOWE. 

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. 




COPYRIGHTED, 1883, 

BY 

W. A. SINGLING, M. D. 



TO 



She GQany (Sonyri^jfs and Fr>iBNDS 



]^c^. J. p. WcLeP, 



Fiji's %Mt\^ 



IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 



mEREYER Mr. Weber has held revival 
' ' meetings the people have been anxious 
to hear his experience^ and many have won- 
dered why he did not have it printed in book 
form. At several places on the evening of 
the relation of his experience he would issue 
tickets^ allowing no one to hear the experience 
excepting those who had the interest to pro- 
cure a free ticket. The tickets would not be 
placed on distribution more than an hour or 
two before all would be taken up. At some 
places as high as one thousand or more tick- 
ets would be taken up in this brief space of 
time. This proved that the people were eager 
to hear his experience. Upon reflection it 
was determined to issue this sketch. The 

writer w^as selected for the work^ and induced^ 

5 



6 



PREFACE. 



after some persuasion^ to undertake the task. 
The object has been to rehite the experience 
in language suitable for all classes of people, 
in simple^ clear, and unequivocal hmguage. 
The greatest task has been to keep within 
bounds of a brief sketch. It Avould have been 
much easier to have written a small book. I 
need make no comments on The Experience 
of a Converted Catholic. The experience 
will speak for itself. I give it as I have been 
able to gather the facts. If good shall be the 
result^ and the converts encouraged by its 
perusal^ the object of the author will be accom- 
plished. W. A. Y. 
FiNDLAY, Ohio, May^ 1883. 



THE EXPERIENCE 



OF A 

CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



XOSEPH HULSE WEBER, the subject of tins 
^ brief sketch, was born October 12, 1855, at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, on Plum Str2et, between Four- 
teenth and Fifteenth Streets. 

His father, Louis Weber, was born July 4, 1833, 
in Alsace, at that time in the possession of the 
French. German never ceased to be the language 
of the people of this community, although a 
French province, and the newspapers were printed 
in both the German and French languages. Louis 
Weber is distinctively German, so that the subject 
of this sketch may be considered of German de- 
scent on his father's side. 

When Louis Weber was at the age of six months, 
his parents immigrated to the United States, and 
settled at Heading, Pennsylvania, and after a resi- 
dence there of three or four years removed to 
Cincinnati, Ohio, in the vicinity of which he has 
lived since that time, having ncA^er removed further 
from the city of Cincinnati than Hamilton, Ohio. 



8 



THE EXPERIENCE OF 



George "Weber, the grandfather of our subject, 
vras a valiant soldier under the first Xapoleon. and 
was in the army that marched against the Eiissians, 
enduring all the hardships of that fated campaign 
^vith fortitude. He ^vas one of the few who sur- 
vived the ftarfiil defeat at Moscow, and was per- 
mitted to return to his native land in saftty. He 
was an educated ntan, being accjuainttd vitli the 
sciences, and speaking several languages ; he was 
a scholar as Avell as a soldier. 

Elizabeth Oatman. the mother of Eev. J. H. 
Weber, was hrmi October 20, 1836. on Blenner- 
hassett Island, situated in the Ohio Elver. Her 
flither was beam in Xew York State, and her mother 
in the State of Virginia. 

Louis Weber and Elizabeth Oatman were mar- 
ried at Cincinnati, Ohiu. Eebriiary 5. lc-52. 

At the beginning of this married life, ]\Ir. 
Weber was a very hard-working and industrious 
man; so much so that lie was enabled to purchase 
and carry on a large cooper shop of his own, em- 
ploying Cjuite a ntimber of hands. He was gener- 
ally successful in liis business, and was rapidly 
accumulating money. But as is too often the case 
Avith the people of his nativity, he was always 
addicted to the use of strong drink, commencing 
with the milder use of beer; but, though at first 
tlie master of his dram, lie soon became its slave. 
His history for some years is the oft repeated tale 



A COXVEr.TED CATHOLIC. 



9 



of the monster appetite^ with the consequent loss 
of trade, property, and respect. The greater part 
of his hard earnings rapidly passed from his pos- 
session, and he found himself in danger of losing 
all. Through the kind influence of friends, and 
especially his wife, he was induced to remoye to a 
farm between Hamilton and Cincinnati, Ohio, in 
which he had inyested the residue of his means, to 
free himself from the curse that had bhghted his 
life. He is now a sober man, and seldom or neyer 
touches the cup that caused his downfall. 

During all this time of woe and the drunkard's 
misery, the wife superintended business affairs, and 
managed to keep all the children together, in spite 
of the prodigality and improyidence of the drunken 
husband. She had ihe whole care of the family, 
and sewed and performed other seyere labor to 
keep the loyed ones at home and supply them vrith 
the necessaries of life. She was a noble soul, and 
is descrying of great encomium for her patient care 
and persistent efforts in this period of her married 
hfe. 

There were ten children giyen to this married 
life ; four girls, and six biys, of whom Joseph 
Hulse Weber is the second child. 

The father was born and bred a stanch Roman 
Catholic. The mother w\as of Protestant parent- 
age, but became a Roman Catholic at her marriage. 
As is frequently the case, she became, in the re- 



10 



THE EXPERIENCE OF 



bound from Protestantism, one of the strongest 
*and most ultra Catholics. She was earnest in her 
new faith, and pious so far as piety goes among 
that sect. The children were brought up strictly 
in that faith, and baptized into the Church of 
Rome. 

The sequel will show the change brought about 
in this household through the leadings of the Holy 
Spirit and the mercy of an ever-blessed God. First 
came the gentle rappings of the Savior at the heart- 
door of our subject, and he having been a chosen 
vessel of the Lord, and having the elements of true 
piety and faith, though uncultivated, was led in a 
way he knew not until finally he was ushered into 
the fullness of redemption, and brought into the 
light of the Gospel of glad tidings. Of this ultra 
Catholic family, at present there are three ]3oys 
and one girl liberated from the shackles of Rome 
who enjoy the liberty of the children of God as 
manifest in Protestantism. The mother is halting 
between two opinions, not knowing whether to be 
Catholic or Protestant, and the father has so far 
given up the faith of his early life as never to 
attend the ministrations of the Church of Rome. 
The rest of the family are nothing, being gradually 
weaned from Catholicism with their preferences 
leaning toward Protestantism. Erelong, the whole 
family, through the persistent labor and prayers of 
this converted Catholic and now jNIethodist evan- 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



11 



gelist, will be brought into a saving knowledge of 
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

We now pass more especially to the life and 
experience of our converted Catholic. We hav^e 
briefly noticed the family as showing the influences 
under which he was raised, and as partly explain- 
ing some of the peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of 
the evangelist. Many objectors have been silenced 
on learning that he is the rebound from the igno- 
rance and superstition of Roman Catholicism. His 
vehemence is alone explained by his great desire 
for the salvation of his fellows. But few have a 
more consuming desire for the conversion and salva- 
tion of men. None are more sincere and honest 
in the conviction of duty and the profession of his 
interest in humanity. 

In early boyhood he had his ovrn way, was 
petted, and allowed to do about as he pleased, as 
many spoil the only or first boy of the family. 
He was like Topsy, allowed to grow wuthout culti- 
vation; he came up very loosely trained. At this 
most tender age, his parents gave him strong drink, 
and took him to the dance, teaching him the ways 
of wickedness almost systematically. He soon 
learned to like the "damning bowl," and to dance. 
This course of training, or want of training, being 
pursued during the tender years of his boyhood, 
he naturally became very w^ild and hard. He was, 
likeBunyan, a "ringleader" in all kinds of wicked- 



12 



THE EXPERTEXCE OF 



ness and sin. His cluiracteri-ries made him a leader 
auiODg the boys. When about six years of age 
he was sent to school, more to get rid of him and 
his care than to give him an education. Here he 
became the captain of the schoul among the boys 
of his own age and thu.-e of a few y^^ars ulde: or 
younger. His home became the rallying pL-ini tuv 
all the boys, and Joe must be the Mentur and 
leader. He was nor wdthout friends, for he ahvays 
won them wdierever he went. His Avarm heart 
could only iuvite; he was himself friendly. At 
school he learned rapidly, in spire of his mischief 
and wildness. Having a quick intellect, he could 
advance in his studies, and ar the same time have 
plenty uf spare moments lor his questionable amuse- 
ments. 

Thus he passed his time unchecked by his par- 
ents. They had frequent warnings in the f >rm of 
sickness and accident, but they were hrt iless of 
the voice speaking unto them. AVhen bttwttn two 
and three years of age, he was taken very sick ; no 
one expected him to recover. Before he was six, 
he had fallen into the canal twice, and once came 
verv near drowning, but was rescued by a gentle- 
man who happened to be passing by at the tin.e. 
These warnings were not accepted, but his parents 
allowed him to go on in the way of sin, hardly 
without questioning the propriety of their cotu'se, 
or else feeling, with many foolish parents, that they 



A COXYERTED CATHOLIC. 



13 



were unable to control their son, and hence not 
responsible. 

When eight years old, he was again taken sick, 
and for long days his parents and friends despaired 
of his life. It was the dreaded scarlet fever, bnt 
careful nursiag and proper medical attention ena- 
bled him sufficiently to recover that his parents were 
agnin hopeful. But immediately the dropsy set 
in, and for five long mionths he was at death's door, 
gyrating betv\'een life and death; most of the time 
the symptoms were decidedly unfavorable. One 
day the anxious mother went to market to pur- 
chase the necessaries for the table. She was natu- 
rally in a great hurry, as her boy was "sick nigh 
unto death." The old lady who was selling vege- 
tables asked her why she was in such a big hurry. 
Her reply was, have a very sick boy at home." 
The market woman's sympathy was at ones elicited, 
and upon inquiry found the disease to be dropsy. 
Like most "old ladies," she had her remedy, and 
said, "O, I can give you a cure for that." The 
mother, all the more credulous by her vigils and 
anxiety, was eager to learn the remedy in which 
the market woman had so much confidence. The 
remedy was "carrot seed and juniper berries." These 
were immediately tried, and to the astonishment 
of all, proved to be tJie remedy, for be commenced 
at once to im|orove, and in two weeks' time the 
dropsy had all disappeared. For a few weeks, Joe 



14 



THE EXPEEIEXCE OF 



improved; he became more like himself, aud all 
were rejoicing that the boy was out of danger. 
But the way of the transgressor is hard. Before 
convalescence was complete he was taken wirh the 
intermittent fever, and again the death angel seemed 
to demand his prey. He grew worse rapidly, and 
at one time was so far gone that the family and 
friends were gathered aroimd the bedside, weeping 
and expecting each moment to be his last. While 
thus watching, their hearts beating wildly, and 
their faces suffused with scalding tears, the dying 
child began to sing a song of rare sweetness and 
charm. To tlie sad listeners it seemed that the 
gates of heaven were ajar, and the angelic choirs 
were chanting his requiem ; it seemed more the 
music of heaven than of earth. Amid the sobbing, 
his grandfather said, ^'Xow he is gone." They 
thought of the faint swan," 

^'AVho chants a doleful hymn to his own death," 

and the song became the portent of his dissolution. 
But his time had not yet come, for the God who 
rules in all the affairs of men had a work for him 
to do. He rallied. He gradually grew better, 
but his convalescence was very slow and tedious. 
For nearly a year he was sick, confined for the 
most part to his bed or the house. Though slowly, 
yet surely he recovered, and in time was able 
again to start to school. This long spell of sick- 



A CONVERTEL> CATHOLIC. 



15 



ness enervated and weakened him very much, and, 
as should be expected, he was far behind in his 
studies; instead of being the leader among those 
of his own age, he must needs be led. It was very 
hard to catch up in his studies, but by persistent 
efforts and assiduous application he made rapid 
progress. 

He was quite different from most boys at the 
age of ten ; he was not given to ball playing and 
other games incident to school-boys during the 
vacation and on Saturdays. He had the German 
instinct of money making, not so much to hoard 
it miserly, but for the pleasure it gave him, and 
for the things it would buy. He has ever been a 
generous-hearted lad ; there is not a parsimonious 
or stingy vein in him. He vrould share the last 
farthing, and always delighted in giving to the 
needy. We notice this philanthropic spirit animat- 
ing him throughout his career as boy, youth, and 
man. During vacation he would peddle matches, 
brooms, fans, and the like, borrowing money froni 
his mother or some friend, and repaying the same 
with interest. One incident happened when he 
was between twelve and thirteen years of age which 
has doubtless had some influence on his future life. 
One day whilst selling brooms, he went into a 
saloon to drive a bargain," when he was accosted 
by the proprietor with, "I don't want a broom, but 
I will buy you." At first the boy was somewhat 



16 



THE EXPERIENCE OF 



startled, but upon explauation, and further con- 
versation a bargain was made that he should at- 
tend bar. He was done with brooms, matches, 
shoe-strings, and fans, for he would actually be a 
salesman," which struck him as beine somethincr 
rather elevating. He returned home in high glee, 
and informed his parents of his project. They 
were both unfavorable to the move, but he pre- 
vailed on his father to go down to the saloon and 
see the man. The father's better nature and judg- 
ment prevailed, and Joe was informed that he 
must attend school rather than ' ' 'tend bar." He 
v/as not to be so easily frustrated in his coveted 
honors. When the following Monday came, his 
mother said, You must go to school," but he 
desired to become a rich man, and so went to the 
saloon and began work as a "bar-tender." He 
was so small that the proprietor had to erect a 
rack behind the bar so that he could stand to " deal 
out hell and destruction," as he now terms it. He 
was with this saloon keeper for about five months. 

About this time his parents moved to Hamilton, 
Ohio, and when they were fully settled, Joe was 
persuaded to return home. He must work, make 
money, as he esteemed himself too large, like many 
foolish boys, to go to school. A position was 
secured in the paper mill, Avhere he learned the 
trade of " machine tending." He was in this mill 
for two years. He was very much liked by his 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



17 



employer, Avho regretted to lose him from his em- 
ploy. But he grew tired of the mill; there y\'as 
too much moiiotonj for his active spirit. He Avas 
determiued to change his vocation, and to accom- 
plish this, he told his mother, vrho desired him to 
remain, an unmitigated lie. He said a man stopped 
and tried to rob him. This accomplished its pur- 
pose, though so flimsy, and his parents consented 
to the change. But before leaving the mill, he 
liad received the finishing touches regarding sy^ear- 
ing, and by his evening associations became very 
reckless and wild. The evenings were made hide- 
ous by the boys, of whom he was leader, and the 
apples and other fruit disappeared in the darkness 
of the night. He was now employed by the Ham- 
ilton branch of the Cincinnati Ice Company, which 
was adding fuel to his already fiery and sinful 
heart, as he was compelled to frequent saloons, and 
to associate with very bad company. About this 
time an amateur minstrel troupe was organized, of 
which our ''bad boy" became a leading spirit. He 
purchased a violin, and in a short time learned to 
play. After learning to play the violin, he was 
called upon to play for all kinds of clances. He 
never refused, but took delight in going to tbx 
very worst as well as the better class of dances, 
albeit the best kind is bad enough. He now be- 
came proficient in evil. He went from bad to 
worse. Dancing and card playing were his amuse- 

9 



18 



: ev3, of reveb 
Drim^e : e common, 

sll e^:! ' "he, and 

- T j{ the 



: this time, some hav ^ i to 
r peniteatiaiy, £z r - 
^ / - _ : : r one or both pli. Zir 

: i four yeaiB with the Ice Company : : - r 

^ spent in the service of ^fan and sin, 
: lower vices. Finally his motiier 
i. and threatened to send him to 
: I 7 nad its desired effect^ 

n oii^ L-ii ii::-c ii^e i^eich grows brighter and 
l>etter. 

Jnst before the crosade in 1873, he took a gla^ 
of beer — ^this was a very common occurrence, but 
this glass was a most excellent one, ^pedally in 
its eflfect — on going to hear Carl Schnrz speak. 
His gla-^ of beer made him very sick. He vowed 
not to drink any more, and told "the boj^" that 
he would give them five dollars if they caught him 
drinking any more beer. They replied, **That 
will not Ije long." He kept his vow with the beer, 
but coutioued to drink whisky until the following 
Jlarch, when he quit entirely. The boys tried hard 
to make him break his resolution, but a higher 



ments. ^ r ^ 
and i 
His 



A CONVERTED C'ATHOIJC. 



19 



power, then uiikiiowii, but surely working, over- 
ruled that be sboulcl reform. When tbe Crusaders 
asked him to sign tbe pledge, he replied that he 
had signed it in his heart and had kept it. We 
notice here an element of firmness cropping out 
wliicli is a requisite of success in his present work ; 
tbis is seen prominently in all bis meetings. He 
has a will, and that will must govern. Had lie 
the proper training from childhood, and this will 
and determination sanctified by a Christian nurture, 
these years of evil would have been spent in active 
goodness, and as actively for good as they have 
been for evil. Tbe fault is not with tbe endow- 
ments, but with the training; the censure should 
not be with tbe possessor of these elements of 
strength, but with the Mentors who failed to see 
them, and by proper education elicit them in the 
cause of truth and righteousness. 

After four years of service with the ice com- 
pany, he was apprenticed to Peter Hecks on May 
6, l'^74. to learn the carriage trimmiug trade. 

orkiug for six months or more, he went to 
Lii^ciiinati to see the Exposition. Wbile there he 
secured work in a carriage shop at tbe same kind 
of business. When be returned from tbe Exposi- 
tion he informed his n^other of his purpose to work 
in Cincinnati; she said he would be lost surely, 
but her consent was easily obtained. He left home 
for Cincinnati about September 19, 1874. As he 



20 



THE EXPERIENCE OF 



was passing from the parental roof, his heart Avas 
touched with the parting. His better nature gained 
the supremacy. When ahnost out of view of his 
home and loved ones, he lifted his eves toward 
heaven, and asked God to make him a better boy. 
That simple prayer was answered. From this 
time ^xe find him a different boy. God moves in 
a mysterious way. What seemed to his mother the 
ruin of her boy was his making. His old asso- 
ciates, especially those of the later day who had 
so much influence over him for evil, were now 
separated from him. It is true, the distance was 
not great, but the dh^e influence of constant evil 
companionship was broken, and an opportunity for 
better iufluences to operate was given. He not 
only iwayecl to be made a better boy, but consist- 
ent with all true pra^yer, he tried hard to he a 
better boy. He attended the Catholic Church 
faithfully in all kinds of vreather. He would kneel 
upon the stone floor of the church and try to pray, 
but it seemed that he could not pray. The more 
he tried the worse he felt. Xo relief came to him, 
yet he would be faithful. He fought his appetites 
and passions the best he could with the light he 
possessed and the aid he could command. Thus he 
spent weary months seeking light, but there was 
no one to guide him aright. The Confessional was 
no surety against the compunctions of conscience. 
He had turned his face from the evil. He must 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



21 



win or die in the effort. It was difficult to break 
away from his associates, but the band of evil fel- 
lowship must be severed; his vow must be kept. 
Durins: this ao-onizins; time he tried to drown liis 
troubles and cares in work and the shop. He was 
most faithful in his work, and was rewarded in 
the Spring by being made foreman. The one shop 
did not seem to occupy all his time, especially at 
night, so he secured work in another shop to be 
performed at night. Sometimes he would v\'ork 
till twelve o'clock ; early and late he would apply 
himself He continued to work for this firm until 
the Fall of 1875, when he was converted on the 
fourteenth day of August. Soon after this, in a 
couple of weeks, he was discharged by his Catholic 
employer for having turned Protestant. 

On this day of his conversion, the fourteenth 
day of August, 1875, he was more than usually 
restless and uneasy. He wanted rest, but found 
none. His old associations crowded upon his mind, 
but Avere repelled. In this anxiety and tempta- 
tion he wandered from place to place, but novrhere 
could he dissipate his heart-forebodings. He wan- 
dered into the l)eer gardens across the '-Rhine,'' 
into the variety theaters, and other places of amuse- 
ment, seeking rest, but finding none. In these places 
he did not yield to temptation. He had not the 
least idea that these places were unfit for a seeker 
of religious peace. He was educated to believe 



22 



THE EXPERIENCE OF 



that these places were no worse than places of 
legitimate amusements, and that the Christian could 
enjoy the musical treat without any danger of sin- 
ning, or of injury to himself. It does not seem 
that he was under any decided conviction of sin ; 
if so, he was not aware of it. He Avas uneasy, but 
had no idea of its cause or nature. He did not 
attribute it to the Spirit of God, but that S[)irit w^as 
leadiug him in a way he knew not; the results are 
such as to fully warrant this conclusion. After 
hours spent in this fruitless effort to find peace, 
aud realizing that these things of the world could 
not give him that for which he was seeking, he 
was attracted by a crowd of people listenings to a 
Baptist missionary preaching on the site of the Ex- 
position building under the arcliway crossing to the 
Art Gallery in Washington Park. The name of 
this minister was Rev. Joseph Emery. It was mere 
curiosity that led him to hear this man "talk," for 
he was not aware that he was preaching the Gospel, 
or he probably would not have gone to hear the 
heretic. His preaching had no apparent eflfect 
upon him, but Vv^hen the crowxl began to sing 
lustily, 

Ahnost persuaded now to believe ; 
Alniost persuaded Christ to receive," 

he became more attentive. His soul responded to 
the song, and when the last lines of the last stanza 
were being sung, 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



23 



" 'Almost ' can not avail ; 
Mlniost ' is but to fail I 
Sad, sad, that bitter v»-ail — 
'Almost ' — bat lost 

his soul was peculiarly touched, and looking toward 
heaven he said vehemently within himself, "I well 
XOT BE lost; I vriLL BE SAVED." In the quick- 
ness of thought the burden was rolled away in this 
decision for heaven. His heart was made hght 
and happy. He felt that he coukl fly. What a 
change! and how suddenly it came upon him! He 
had never been taught in the way of life, and did 
not realize what the change was, but he knew he 
was happy. He had never read any portion of the 
Bible but the story of Joseph. Though in almost 
absolute darkness as to the nature of salvation, 
he clung to the peace and joy that filled his heart. 
The missionary perceiving that he was affected, 
took him by the liand and invited him to attend 
the Young ]^Ten's Christian Association that even- 
ing. He did so, and arose for the prayers of the 
Christian people. In this he felt still better. On 
AVednesday evening following, August 17, 1(S75, 
lie attended services at the St. Paul Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He felt a great change of heart, 
but could not realize what it Avas, nor what it 
meant, and was anxious for further light and guid- 
ance. The pastor of St. Paul, Dr. C. H. Payne, 
was holding a series of meetings. When the iuvi- 



24 



THE EXPERIENCE OP 



tation was given for persons to arise who desired 
an interest in the prayers of the Church, he arose. 
The members of the Church prayed with him, and 
gave him guidance as to the Christian life. This 
was a great help to him. ^ His quick intellect 
eagerly grasped the truths of the Gosj)el. 

On the following Sabbath, August 21st, he 
went out bright and early in quest of a Sunday- 
school, but could find none. He thought, perhaps 
they have one at St. Paul, and on the next Sab- 
bath, August 28th, he went to St. Paul, hoping 
to find a Sunday-school. As he approached the 
church, he saw two men, whom he afterward found 
to be class-leaders, brothers J. C. Thompson and 
W. F. Yv^olff, going up the steps into the church. 
He asked them whether there was Sunday-school 
to-day, when Mr. Thompson said: "No, but we 
have a class-meeting." He did not know wliat a 
class-meeting was, but went in, and vrhen asked to 
speak, did so. When asked to return the next 
Sabbath, he replied: If I do, I will have to join 
the Methodist Church." He was assured that he 
would not be compelled to join the Church, but 
that he would always be welcome to the meetings. 

On the afternoon of the second Sunday from 
this time, he was met by brother Thompson, avIio 
was on his way to the northern part of the city, 
on Elm Street, to attend a mission Sunday-school. 
Mv. Thompson, being the superintendent, requested 



A COX^TEETED CATHOLIC. 



25 



brother Weber to accompany him and take a class. 
His reply vras : ''Why, I can 't teach." But he 
finally consented. The Bible and the ever excel- 
lent Teachers' Journal were given him. He stud- 
ied hard to master his lessons, and to qnaUfy him- 
self for teaching. All he could do at first ^vas to 
tell his own experience; how God, for Christ's sake, 
had pardoned his sins. The boys were rude and 
wild, but by persistent efforts he gained their affec- 
tion, and succeeded in his mission so well that 
many of the street Arabs are now Christians. 
After Sunday-school, on this first Sabbath, he ac- 
companied brother Thompson and others to the 
market-place, wdiere meetings were held. iSTot- 
withstanding the opposition of the people and the 
hisses of the rabble, he continued in this kind of 
work, and was the instrument in doing much good. 

He joined the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal 
Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, November 1, 1875, on 
probation, and was taken into full membership 
April 9, 1876, thus becoming a Methodist, which 
name he has never dishonored. 

During this experience he continued to work at 
his trade, but in a few weeks' time, being dis- 
charged for having turned Protestant, he traveled 
for a Cincinnati house. Not having Christian asso- 
ciation he now grew cold and somewhat indiffer- 
ent religiously. At this time ^lessrs. ]\Ioody and 
Saukey w^ere holding meetings in Chicago, and hear- 



26 



THE EXPERIENCE OF 



ing of tliera, lie went over to attend the meetings. 
At the first opportunity he went to the inquiry 
rooms, and received a great blessing. On his 
arrival at home he found that his father had been 
sick and unable to work. The taxes were due, 
and no money was at hand to pay them. In accord- 
ance with his generous nature, he at once gave his 
parents all the money he had, excepting enough to 
pay two weeks' board, saying that the Lord would 
care for him. After a short visit he again went 
to Cincinnati to get a new job. He was in quest 
of work for two weeks, but could get none. His 
money was all used up, and no work could be 
found. Still he trusted and prayed. 

He had been feeling ever since his conversion 
that he was called to preach the Gospel of Jesus, 
but he pleaded ignorance and the want of means 
to acquire an education as the excuse for his refu- 
sal. Amid all these discouragements, in debt for 
his board, with no work available, he knelt down 
in his room, alone with God. This was February 
2, 1877. He had been raised as a Catholic, to 
believe in signs and wonders. While thus alone 
wich his Heavenly Father he poured out his soul 
unto God in this plaintive strain: " Kow, dear 
Father, I am not satisfied with thy Spirit saying 
* You must preach;' I want something I can see 
and feel with my hands." It seemed to him that 
the Lord n^phed : "Well, my child, what shall I 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



27 



place before you?" He answered: '^A piece of 
moDey, Lord, in the space of one week." This 
hour of secret pleading and covenant was not for- 
gotten. It was always before his mind. Ofttimes 
he would see a shining object before hiui, when he 
would approach it expectantly, only to find it a 
piece of tin or glass shining in the sunlight. His 
heart would then be sad, and misgivings would 
come to him. He felt that if God wanted him to 
preach he would give him the sign in the form 
of a piece of money. At times he would take the 
lamp at night to look around the room, or feel on 
the bed, searching every nook and corner, expect- 
ing the sign and evidence of his call to the minis- 
try. The week was rapidly passing away. He 
went to his aunt's, who was living in Corryville, a 
suburb of Cincinnati, on Monday, February 5th. 
This aunt had become highly incensed on learning 
that he was out on the street preaching and had 
turned Protestant. She had sent for him on a pre- 
vious occasion, and told him that he Avas crazy, 
and would go where all the crazy Methodists go, to 
the lunatic asylum, and that she did not want any 
thing more to do with him, nor to see him after- 
ward. After this intervie\v he prayed for her, as 
he always did for all who persecuted him. She 
became reconciled to him, especially when she saw 
the power of the new religion OA^er his life, so tliat 
she was prepared to welcome and encourage him at 



28 



THE EXPERIEXCE OF 



this trying hour. He opened his heart to his 
reconciled aunt, told her of all his trials, misgiv- 
ings, his financial difficulties, etc. Her heart was 
touched. She invited him to remain with her until 
he could find a job. He accepted the invitation. 
On the following Wednesday, February 7, 1877, 
there being service at the Catholic Church, his aunt 
attended, while he attended service at the Mt. 
Auburn Methodist Episcopal Church, where they 
had been holding a revival, and were now receiv- 
ing the converts into probationary membership. 
This seems to have been a very excellent meeting. 
His soul was aglow with peace and joy. At the 
conclusion of the meeting he was talking with a 
young man who had been converted, telling him 
of his own experience and abiding hope in the 
Lord Jesus. While he was thus administering 
comfort and consolation to this new convert he saw 
something sparkling on the floor, about twenty 
feet away. Then the vision dawned upon him — 
here is the piece of money, the sign of his call to 
the ministry of the blessed Savior. Ecstasy filled 
his soul ; joy thrilled every chord of his heart. 
Gladness reigned supreme. Turning his face 
toward heaven, his soul, in its fullness, exclaimed : 
''Lord, I will go." He picked up the shining 
objects, wdiich proved to be two pennies, new from 
the mint. He gave them to the pastor, \Villiam 
Case. He liad asked fnv a piece of money. God 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



29 



gave him two — the emblem of a double call, to 
the ministry and to evangelism. They were but 
pennies, the smallest pieces of money, in token 
that the kingdom of Christ does not consist of the 
riches of this world. They were new, bright peu- 
dies, displaying the glory of the mission of an 
ambassador of the Lord Jesus. 

On his way home the stars seemed to dance in 
participating joy ; all nature was gorgeously arrayed 
in gladness to his happy soul. When he arrived 
at his aunt's, he told her about his prayer, the sign, 
and the answer. She said, "You ought to accept 
it." He replied, "I will." The next morning be 
went to consult with his pastor. Dr. H. B. Eidga- 
way. After some conversation he told him he 
was going to Delaware, to the Ohio Wesleyan 
University, that Fall. He received very little, or 
no encouragement from his pastor. Still his faith 
in God did not waver. He believed him fully, 
and trusted him for all things. That evening he 
prayed earnestly that God would open the way so 
that he could get work to enable him to prosecute 
his plans in preparing for the university. The 
next morning he said to his aunt, ''I am going to 
get a job to-day." She asked where he would get 
it. He replied, ''I do n't know, but God has given 
me the evidence, an^ he will give me a job." Her 
only reply was, "You are a peculiar fellow." He 
vrent to Emerson & Fisher's carriage shop, corner 



30 



THE EXPERIEXCE OF 



of Findlay and Jolui Streets, and requested work. 
He was told to come around the n3xt Monday. He 
did so, but they were not quite ready for him. He 
commenced work on the following Wednesday, 
February 14, 1877. He at once received good 
wages, but in a short time applied for more, which 
were cheerfully given him. While earning money 
to take him to school, he was working for Jesus 
among the hands in the shop. By his Christian 
deportment and zeal for the Master, he won the 
respect and confidence of all. He induced the 
men to cease swearing and drinking by persuasion, 
and in various ways. To one man, who was a 
hard drinker, he offered a gold pin to stop his 
drinking. The man agreed to do so. The pin was 
given him, and that very night he became beastly 
drunk. But while at college. Brother Weber re- 
ceived a letter of apology for bad faith, and ask- 
ing forgiveness. The man was soon afterward con- 
verted, and is now a sober business man in a town 
near Cincinnati, Ohio. 

He started to the Oliio Wesleyan University, 
October 3, 1877, with $225.00 in cash. At first 
he took four studies, but found them too many 
for him. He dropped one and continued with 
three. He found it very hard work to apply his 
mind, as he liad been out of school for so many 
years, and not having advanced ver}^ far in his 
studies during liis early school days. He did the 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC, 



31 



best lie could under the circumstaaces. He joined 
the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church by let- 
ter, Rev. S. L. Keen being the pastor. He was 
urged to visit a mission Sabbath-school in the south 
part of town, and vras elected its superiuteudent 
October 20, 1877. There vfere about thirty-five 
scholars present the first Sunday. He at once 
called a meeting of the officers and teachers, looked 
over the field of work, aud appointed a visiting 
committee. Every house was in due time visited, 
the result of which was that the room where the 
school was held became too small. A larger one 
was rented. In six vreeks' time there were one hun- 
dred and forty-seven scholars enrolled. In the new 
room the students would preach from time to time. 
Following this work there was a gracious revival at 
St. Paul's Church, at which mauy of the Suuday- 
school scholars were happily converted. He took 
charge of the jail meetings, visiting the prison very 
often. He presented the prisoners with books and 
papers, which were chiefly the generous donations of 
Dr. Payne and wife. The results of these frequent 
meetings and visits were blessed of God in the 
salvation of several of the prisoners. This relig- 
ious work was his recreation and pastime. He 
found time, or rather took time from his studies, 
to visit the poor j^eople in the vicinity of the 
mission, and supplied them with clothes and fuel 
when necessity demanded. There was a revival 



32 



THE EXPERIENCE OF 



spirit present continually, and great good resulted 
from his labors of love. But this work detracted 
from his studies. For him the studies were hard, 
l)ut with tears and prayers he applied himself. He 
was much of the time upon his knees; in fact, so 
much of the time that his pantaloons were worn 
out at the knees. His progress in study was slow. 
From his constant charity his purse became lean, 
so that at the end of the Winter term he was com- 
})elled to leave college, and again go to work at 
his trade to get means to conti.iue his studies. 
He returned to Cincinnati, and went to work for 
the same firm, Emerson & Fisher. He at once 
joined by letter the Fairmount Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, and went to work, as was his custom, 
among the people, leading them to Christ, and in- 
fluencing others to greater diligence in the service 
of the Master. During his stay in the city he 
organized a Young People's Missionary Society, 
and by fees and various entertainments raised 
considerable money for this good cause. He was 
always ready to visit the sick and dying, and by 
various means lead souls to Christ. His mania 
seemed to be to get converts to the Savior who 
was so precious to him; in this he w^as very suc- 
cessful. 

His parents at this time lived on a farm near 
Kew^ Haven, Hamilton County, Ohio. On a visit 
to them he preached his first sermon in the Metli- 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



83 



odist Episcopal Church, near his father's home. 
His text was taken from Amos iv, 12, Prepare 
to meet thy God." For the first this was a suc- 
cessful effort. Some of the people said it was the 
best they ever heard. He received many compli- 
ments and much encouragement. 

He continued to work in the shop till June, 
when the firm sent him on the road to sell their 
goods. In this he was very successful, and the 
success came because he carried every thing to 
God in prayer, and asked guidance, and the bless- 
ings of God upon his work. Though successful in 
selling buggies, yet he had his trials during this 
time. He was very religious ; he took every oj)por- 
tunity to do good in speaking for God and in 
rebuking sin. At one time he was in a town — 
Minster, Ohio — where they are all Catholics, and 
usually do all their trading on Sunday. They 
wanted him to sell buggies on Sunday, but he re- 
fused, saying that he w^as a Christian, and asserted 
in positive terms what a Christian was, and spoke 
of the sanctity of the day. The people became 
enraged, and said he should do no business there, 
but he succeeded in doing some business, which, 
with his words, infuriated the mob. 

When he started to leave the town, a saloon- 
keeper endeavored to quarrel with him, but he 
refused to quarrel, and went his way, asking God 
to protect him. The saloon-keeper appealed to the 

3 



34 



THE EXPERIENCE OF 



already incensed mob, and they determined to kill 
the hated Christian. This with our hero was a time 
of most earnest prayer, for he heard their words, and 
perceived their intention. Then came the chase ; 
the flying Protestant and the pnrsning Catholics. 
They chased him through the streets, throwing 
stones and bricks after him, and crying angrily : 
"Kill him! Kill him! Kill him!" The whole^own 
was in an uproar. Excitement prevailed. He ran. 
into the mayor's house for protection. The mayor 
proved to be a friend, and as one burly fellow 
rushed into the house cursing the heretic, he was 
informed that he could not take the fugitive from 
there. After some parleying the leader said he 
would protect Mr. Weber if he would go out 
to the crowd and make acknowledgment. This 
Weber refused to do, saying he had done nothing 
requiring an acknowledgment. As the leader 
promised protection, he went down to the mob, 
and talked to them, and finally succeeded in paci- 
fying them. He claimed the victory through the 
blessings of God, to whom he poured out his soul 
in this trying hour. He passed through many 
trying scenes of a similar nature, but he came out 
of the active warfare whole, through the mercy of 
God. He continued to work for this firm until 
October 1, 1878, when he returned to college, and 
began the same routine of work in visiting the 
jail, praying for and with the students, holding 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



35 



meetings, etc. His studies were nearly as hard to 
him, but, as with every thing else, he took them 
to the Lord in prayer. He succeeded in getting 
along by persistent effort until he had acquired 
the habit of study, when it became much easier. 
Soon after his return to college he was oiiered a 
situation to travel with a gentleman, who said he 
was making from five to six thousand dollars a 
year, and that, if he wotild travel with him, they 
could increase the business to ten thousand dollars. 
Whether the man told the truth or not we see the 
principle which actuated Mr. Weber at this time, 
as he refused the offer, feeling that the gain of 
this world would be nothing if in that gain he 
should lose his own soul. He felt it to be a duty 
to preach, and preach he would at any sacrifice. 

He was licensed to preach March 3, 1879. by 
the quarterly conference of the St. Paul's Mtilivdi-t 
Episcopal Church, Delaware, Ohio. He made 
good use of this privilege, and the results were 
favorable and eneouraghig. This year, as during 
the year before, there was a gracious revival of 
xel'Li-::, in which he had no little part. 

his money had run out. and he was in 
debt tor his board and room. He had loaned 
some money to his father, but his father was unable 
to repay him at this time. He must leave again 
at the close of the Vwnter term, but cotild not con- 
sistently leave without paying his debts. As usual, 



36 



THE EXPERIENCE OF 



in all tilings, and in all trying liours, lie took the 
matter to the Lord in prayer. He received a let- 
ter from his mother, sympathizing with him, and 
expressing sorrow that his father could not raise 
the money to repay that which he had borrowed. 
Again he prayed over the matter, asking God to 
open the way for his father to repay the money so 
that he could get out of debt, and go to work. 
In a day or so afterward he received a letter from 
home inclosing the desired money. He paid his 
debts, and again went to Cincinnati to work at 
his trade. He worked by the piece at this time, 
and only made twelve dollars a week, as he was 
out of practice, and to do this required great effort 
on his part. He applied himself, however, and 
soon gained skill enough, with a slight advance in 
his wages, to earn from twenty to twenty-eight dol- 
lars a week. His constant prayer was that God 
would bless his labor, and enable him to accumu- 
late enough to carry him through college. When 
he was tired and vfeary from excessive w^ork, he 
would pray for strength. He would receive this, 
and then go to work with attended strength derived 
from prayer. By this means he was enabled to do 
nearly as much as two men would generally do. 

During this hard labor he was not forgetful of 
his religious duties. He taught a class in the mis- 
sion Sunday-school, visited the jail and other 
places where his presence ^vas needed. His labors 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



37 



Vv^ere blessed and owned of God in the conversion 
of souls both at the jail and in his room. He exer- 
cised the gift of preaching on the streets of Cincin- 
nati, and also went into the country to fill appoint- 
ments. Sometimes he would preach as often as 
three times on Sunday. At night he would devote 
himself to his books and study. These were busy 
days, but days of rehgious progress and develop- 
ment. During this Summer he saved enough 
money to last him, with due economy, through 
two years of college life. He returned to Delaware 
September 17, 1879, and took four studies. By 
hard work and close application he received fair 
grades; he did not care so much for the grade as 
for the qualification for his life in the ministry. 
Immediately upon his return to college he com- 
menced his usual work of love, and followed the 
example of his divine Master in going about doiug 
good. He became a missionary to the 'Mieathen 
Chinese " by going to the laundry and offeriug to 
be their instructor in English. His offer was 
accepted. He taught them Englisli, and at the 
same time tanght them the Gospel. He succeeded 
in getting them to attend the Sunday-school. His 
work was successful. 

He began evangelistic w^ork at this time by 
visiting contiguous churches wath other students, 
and holding revival meetings. They met with suc- 
cess, as some were converted. This was the rou- 



38 



THE EXPERIEXCE OF 



tine of Lis school days, praying niiicli of the time, 
and ^vorking for the good of those around him ; 
living by faith, yath the only hope of reward 
in the approbation of his Heavenly Father. As 
an illustration of his child-like faith and trust in 
his Heavenly Parent, we relate the following : 
Daring the examination a student exchanged hats 
with him. His hat was a new one, while the stu- 
dent's was an old one. As he had to be econom- 
ical, and at the same time did not like to wear an 
old hat when he had expended money for a new 
one, he was anxious to get his own hat. He 
23rayed over the matter. He asked God to over- 
rule in the return of his hat. When he prayed, 
he expected that his prayer would be answered. 
In a- word, he took the Lord at his promise. When 
he was riding horseback to one of his preaching 
appointments, he saw a boy on the road; the 
Spirit seemed to say, That boy has your hat." 
He at once looked up and thanked God for the 
ans^Yer to his prayer. He was positive the boy 
had his hat. A day or two after he met the boy 
again, when he accosted him, demanding his hat, 
believing in confidence that the Spirit had directed 
him to this boy. The boy denied having the hat, 
but finally acknowledged it, and Weber received 
his new liat, for which he had paid his money. 

. During this term he was very active in leading 
the students to a confession of Christ. He would 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



39 



go to tlieir rooms and pray with them, plead with 
them, and induce them to accept of Jesus. Though 
some repelled him, yet many loved him the more 
for his active interest in their soul's vrelfare. Sev- 
eral of the students with whom he labored were 
converted during the revival at St. Paul's Church, 
while some were converted in their rooms. His 
mind was, dtiring this time, being led out into the 
evangelistic work. God was preparing him for his 
life work. He preached for the colored people in 
a revival at which several were converted. He 
assisted the j^astor at Lewis Center over Sabbath 
in a revival during which time some were converted. 
He gave special attention to the yoimger boys; 
talked with them, and encouraged them by kind- 
ness and good counsel. He was rewarded for his 
labors by receiving letters from their parents thank- 
ing him for his interest manifested to their boys. 
They were very grateful for his labor in their 
behalf. 

About this time he went to Columbus, Ohio, to 
visit some friends. Even the enjoyment of friend- 
ship coidd not cause him to forget his duty to his 
Master; he must be about the work of salvation. 
He visited the Sunday-school of the penitentiary, 
and taught a class of forty-two prisoners, twenty- 
five of whom asked an interest in the prayers of 
the teacher. He visited the Chinese laundry, and 
induced six of the Chinese to attend Sunday-school 



40 



THE EXPEEIEXCE OF 



at tlie Third Street Methodist Episcopal Church; 
they seemed to have a good time and to eujoy them- 
selves. While at Columbus he saw a patent flour- 
sifter, which aroused the old desire of money mak- 
ing, but now 'that he might prosecute his studies 
and accomplish good. He corresponded with the 
company, and secured the agency for Delaware 
County. On his return to Delaware, he interested 
one of the professors in the new enterprise, who 
gave him due encouragement. He turned canvasser, 
and on the first day sold ten sifters, making five 
dollars. The night following this day's work he 
took very sick, and was unable to work for thirteen 
days. The students were very kind to him, as 
they were on a previous occasion, and carefully 
nursed him back to strength. As soon as able to 
work, he started out again in the canvassing busi- 
ness; during the first week he made fifty dollars. 
His religion was not merely for Sunday and for 
enjoyment, but it was intensely practical. He 
carried his religion into his business, and his liusi- 
ness into his religion. He i^rayed for success in 
his canvassing, asking God's blessing upon his work. 
He was, consequently, very successful in the can- 
vass of Delaware County. He then went to Lima 
to canvas for the sifter, where his brother and 
sister met him. They at this time were not con- 
verted, l)ut our converted Catholic brought every 
inducemejit to bear upon them to accept Jesus and 



A CONVERTED CATHOETC. 



41 



become Protestants. In the canvass they were not 
so successful as he, and became somewhat discour- 
aged. He would tell them that they did not pray 
over their work, and ask God to bless them as he 
did. This brother and sister were converted, and 
are now enjoying the blessing of the Lord Jesus 
in full and free salvation. From Lima he w^ent 
into the northern part of the State and into Michi- 
gan. The result of the Summer's canvass was 
three hundred dollars, clear money. His mind w^as 
not so engrossed with business as to forget his 
interest in others nor in the Church. He would 
attend prayer and class meetings, the services on 
the Sabbath, and talk religion from house to house. 
When he would find a poor family he would sup- 
ply them Avith money for the necessaries of life, 
thus acting the part of a good St. Christopher 
w^hilst money making. 

A short time before tlie beginning of the college 
term, he returned to his home to rest and refresh 
himself. On September 15, 1880, he returned to 
Delaware to begin his college course. He made 
considerable advancement at college, and liked his 
studies very much. 

About the close of the term, he went to Fowder 
Circuit to assist the pastor. Rev. Wm. Lucas, in 
a revival. He remained there four weeks ; the 
results of his labors were about sixty conversions. 
On his return to college at the beginning of the 



42 THE EXP OF 

Winter term, lie was taken very sick. Januarv 12^ 
1881, and remained sick until Febru: ' The 
consequence 'svas that he got beliiu:! ii. r..^ sriidies, 
which greatly discouraged him. T:. - professors gave 
him due en : : : : _ oment, and induced him to put 
forth extra enorts in his studies. By diut of hard 
work, he caught up in his studies, and continued 
to progress in them. Between the T\"inter and 
Spring terms he went to Cincinnati, and made 
proper arrangements with the H';nr-r ^lanufacrur- 
ing Company to take the gen-: " ^ 
sifter which had done him such l oo l -ervice, and 
have his agency office B . iNew York. He 
remained at school unr:_ . .ie of the Spring 

term, and then : ; :n:n ol work in his agency. 
He had induced some :: : 

him, so that he had y o _ nis 

business. He arriv-.;! a: Podol-. dlay to.o 2":h. 
and remained there until f^eptemijer 5. tne 
profits of the fSummer's work were between .six 
hundred and seven hundred dollars. 

His intention was to return again to Delaware 
to jDursue his studies. He had been praying to 
God to direct him regarding the work of the min- 
istry, promising to obey when the way was opened 
sufficiently indicating the will of God to warrant 
]u*m in so doing, and to sacrifice every thiug, and 
enter at ouce the active work of the ministry. He 
v»a3 now praying that tlie Lord would indicate his 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



43 



will in the matter. Shall he again return to col- 
lege, or enter the itinerancy? This was the all-ab- 
sorbing question to him. His heart's desire was 
to do God's will ; to obey in all respects. ' He 
believed in the special providence of God, and 
Avould be governed by the indications of his will, 
taking that as final. In a few days after praying 
over the matter, a letter came from the presiding 
elder of Lima District, Central Ohio Conference, 
Rev. L. M. Albright, asking him to join the con- 
ference, about to convene at Marion, Ohio. This 
w^as taken as the will of the Lord, and he replied 
that he would accept the invitation if he could get a 
place that he could properly fill. The answer came 
that there would be no trouble about the place. 
He replied that he would come, and that the elder 
might expect at least two hundred conversions the 
first year of his ministry. He purchased the nec- 
essary books' at Buffalo, and began at once to pre- 
pare himself for the conference examination. 

While at Buffalo he was as active as usual in 
the work of salvation. He worked and preached 
at the Canal Street mission, where the worst people 
in the world congregated. He was quite success- 
ful. His room-mate was converted among others. 
He took a man from the penitentiary, whose time 
had expired, and started him in business, giving 
him every opportunity to make an honest living, 
and at the same time to make a man of himself. 



44 



THE EXPERIENCE OF 



Thus he labored as a layman, winning souls to 
Christ and many bright gems to the crown of his re- 
joicing. What a power the Church of Christ would 
be should all the laity work as indefatigably and 
as persistently! How -many there are who forget 
the work of Jesus wben engrossed with business 
cares and money-makiug ! But Joseph Hulse 
Weber has ever been alive to the highest interests 
of the souls of men, beiug interested in eveiy one 
with whom he met. His many converts, and 
others who read this sketch of a couverted Cath- 
olic, should be ins[)ired to active labors in the 
cause of Him who is more tlian life to them — the 
dear Savior of mankind. It is esi>ecially desired 
that each reader of this sketch will sign and keep 
the pledge on the Tast page of the cover as a spe- 
cial kindness both to the subject and author of 
this pamphlet, with the assurance that our prayers 
shall ever be for those who sign in the fear of 
God and with the purpose of meeting us in the 
land of the redeemed. Agabi we ask the kind 
reader, ivithout going further in the reading, solemnlij, 
and with the purpose of faithf ully keeping it, to sign 
Hie pjledge of tlie Christian. 

Mr. Weber was received into the ministry of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the Central 
Ohir) Conference, held at ]\Iarion, Ohio, iSeptem- 
ber 24, 1881, Bishop Merrill presiding. He i>assed 
a very satisfactory examination in the course of 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



45 



study, and the committee so reported him to the 
conference. He was appointed to South Lmia 
Circuit, Li:im District. AVhen he received his 
appointment he trembled like a leaf, realizing the 
great responsibility of the pastorate and his own 
inexperience. He went forth, however, trusting in 
the God who had never forsaken him, and praying 
for success in his new work. He went to his work 
October 6, 1881, and was received by Leroy 
Wheeler, a trustee of the Church at South Lima. 
He at once began the work of the pastor, visiting 
the people the next day from house to house. The 
people opened their hearts and received him gladly 
and very cordially. 

As yet there was no church building at South 
Lima in which to worship, but a part of the money 
was secured, and the intention was to build a small, 
church. There were three regular preaching ap- 
pointments on the charge, and one place where a 
class met in the school-house. He was determined 
that the work should be a success, and that the 
people should have places of worshi^D at all of the 
appointments. 

The first place he preached was at the Allen- 
town appointment, to a full house. The text 
selected was: " AYe are laborers together with 
God." This effort produced a most excellent efiTect, 
and was the cause of many compliments to tlie 
new pastor. Li the evening he preached to the 



46 



THE EXPERIENCE OP 



people at South Lima, having a comfortably full 
house, which iu a few evenings became entirely too 
small for the congregations. The school-house was 
made a regular appointment, and the result of the 
work was a neat little church edifice. There was 
a lecture course instituted, to assist in building the 
South Lima Church. The services of Dr. C. H. 
Payne and Professors Perkins and Nelson were se- 
cured to deliver the lectures. Considerable money 
was made from this course of lectures, wdiich secured 
the building of the church. It w^as a happy day 
for the people of South Lima when the church 
was dedicated by Kev. Thomas H. Wilson, of the 
Central Ohio Conference. Kevival meetings were 
commenced at once at South Lima, wdth good suc- 
cess. The new house was soon too small, and 
hundreds of people were turned away, not being 
able to gain admission. The revival spirit was 
carried to each of the four appointments, resulting 
in one hundred and sixty accessions by letter and 
on probation, of whom one liundred and twenty 
were received into full membership in the various 
Churches on the charge. 

He was called upon to assist in revivals at 
Kalida, St. John's, and Pleasant Valley. At each 
place there was a gracious revival, and many were 
gathered into the Churches. He met with such 
success in these revivals that he received many 
invitations of the most pressing kind to hold revi- 



A CONVERTED CATHOLIC. 



47 



val meetings at other places. These calls were so 
pressing that he began to feel that he ^Yas called 
to be an evangelist. This feeling deepened and 
clung to him so much that he could not resist the 
Spirit of God calling him to the exclusive work of 
saving souls. He must obey the voice of duty. 

The results of this year's labor were between 
three and four hundred conversions, two new 
churches, and one church repaired. This was 
truly a year of success, crowned of the Lord, 
owned and blessed of God. At the end of this 
successful year's work he Avent to conference, held 
at Sidney, Ohio, September 13, 1882. The fol- 
lowing is the record contained in the minutes for 
the year 1882, page 270 : 

"Joseph H. Weber was not before the commit- 
tee [of examination], and his character was passed, 
and he was discontinued from trial [in the travel- 
ing connection or ministry] on his own request, 
with a view to entering upon evangelistic work." 

This brings the sketch down to the beginning 
of his evangelistic labors, the results of which wall 
be given in a future edition of the work, all of 
which will be fuller, and possibly more satisfactory. 



END. 



CONGRESS 



027 261 



m 



o 



m 




LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



027 261 392 8 



